Automatic Data Processing, Inc. engages in the provision of cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions worldwide. It operates in two segments, Employer Services and Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The Employer Services segment offers strategic, cloud-based platforms, and human resources (HR) outsourcing solutions. This segment's offerings include RUN Powered by ADP, a software platform for small business payroll, HR management, and tax compliance administration; ADP Workforce Now, a HCM solution used across mid-sized and large businesses to manage employees; and ADP Vantage HCM, a solution for HR management, benefits administration, payroll services, time and attendance management, and talent management. The PEO Services segment provides HR and employment administration outsourcing solutions under ADP TotalSource name to businesses through a co-employment model. The segment also provides employee benefits, protection and compliance, talent engagement, expertise, comprehensive outsourcing, and recruitment process outsourcing services. The company was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Roseland, New Jersey.

ADP combines strong operating profitability with a noticeably elevated valuation across several multiples and weakening liquidity. A P/E ratio of 23.59 looks only slightly below the industry median, but P/S of 5.0 and P/B of 16.81 are significantly above industry benchmarks, which limits re-rating potential. P/FCF is also above the median, though not critically so, meaning free cash flow is already partly priced in by the market. Profit margins are very strong: net margin of 20.11%, operating margin of 26.34%, and gross margin of 46.42% have remained consistently high and have barely declined over the years. ROE of 70.21% and ROI of 42.00% look outstanding, while ROA of 6.62% remains solid, although it has edged down slightly versus prior periods. At the same time, leverage has increased: debt/equity of 0.82 is above the median, and long-term debt has risen to $4.96 billion, adding risk to the valuation. Liquidity is a weak point: the quick ratio is 0.00, and the current ratio of 1.05 is below the industry level, so the margin of safety in working capital is limited. Revenue, profit, and EBITDA remain large and generally stable, but recent data points show uneven momentum, with no clear acceleration in growth. Dividend yield of 0.63% has improved slightly, but for an investor this is more of an added benefit than a primary valuation driver. Equity and net income are high, but against very expensive multiples this does not justify an aggressive increase in the target price. Overall, the fundamentals point to a high-quality, profitable, and resilient business, but the current market valuation already reflects much of these strengths. Therefore, a moderate conservative downward adjustment is appropriate rather than a sharp revision of the forecast.

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

Сильный индекс, значительно упал. Быки в растерянности.

Strong index, significantly down. The bulls are confused.

Средний индекс, значительно упал. Рынок не поддерживает быков.

Medium index, significantly down. The market does not support the bulls.

Сильный индекс, без изменений. Отток средств из лонгов на высоком уровне.

Strong index, flat. Outflow of funds from longs at a high level.

ADP remains a high-margin and profitable business, but expensive valuation multiples, weak liquidity, and rising debt limit its upside potential.

Monday, September 28th, 2026
We kick off a new week of trading on the quiet side, but expect things to get noisy quickly. A full slate of economic reports await us, including a fresh palette of “Jobs Week” data, beginning Tuesday morning. Mid-week, we’ll also see what had been known as the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge for September and a key AI play reporting earnings.
After an up-week among major indexes, pre-market futures are in the red currently: the Dow -288 points, the Nasdaq -153 and the S&P 500 -26 points. The small-cap Russell 2000 is presently -13 points at this hour. Oil prices are back up more than +2.5% this morning, to $94 per barrel (/bbl) on WTI and $106/bbl on Brent crude.
We’re also seeing the highest rate on the 10-year Treasury bond since 2007, before the financial collapse which led to the Great Recession: +5.21%. The 2-year bond has reached its highest level since May of 2024 — back when we were in the midst of a 15-month run of +5.25-5.50% interest rates, while the 30-year yield has presently climbed to +5.53%.
What to Expect from the Stock Market This Week
Beginning tomorrow morning, “Jobs Week” data begins with the August print of Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS). Expectations are for the headline to drift lower but remain within range, to 7.2 million job openings last month from 7.27 million reported the previous month. 12-month highs reached 7.58 million in April while the low came in December of last year: 6.55 million.
From there, we get a look at September labor force numbers, starting with Wednesday’s private-sector payrolls from Automatic Data Processing ADP and ending with Friday morning’s non-farm payrolls and Unemployment Rate from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In between, Thursday’s Weekly Jobless Claims appear. We also expect revisions from ADP’s +38K private-sector jobs in August and BLS’ 162K — a discrepancy of more than 3x.
Otherwise, we’ll see July Case-Shiller Home Price numbers and The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence results for September on Tuesday. S&P and ISM Manufacturing PMI for September and Construction Spending for August appear Thursday, and August Factory Orders come out Friday.
Biggest of all, arguably, will be Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) for August. Both headline and core (subtracting food and energy expenditures) figures, year over year, are expected to tick down 10 basis points (bps) to +3.6% and +3.2%, respectively. These would signal still-higher-than-optimal inflation levels, but within a reasonably controlled range where inflation does not appear to be spiraling out of control.
Further, after Wednesday’s close, AI memory storage chipmaker Micron MU posts fiscal Q4 results — expected to be among the best of any publicly traded stocks all year, AI or not: +937.95% earnings growth on +349.48% in higher revenues from a year ago. Shares of the stock are up +279% year to date and +590% over the past year. These numbers will be hard to beat, but Micron has not missed on earnings since fiscal Q2 of 2023.
Questions or comments about this article and/or author? Click here>>
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Big Week of Jobs & Inflation Data, Micron Earnings

For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – September 28, 2026 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: ExxonMobil Holdings Corp. XOM, Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. CDNS, as well a micro-cap stock BranchOut Food Inc. BOF.
Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:
Top Analyst Reports for ExxonMobil, Automatic Data Processing and Cadence
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including ExxonMobil Holdings Corp., Automatic Data Processing, Inc. and Cadence Design Systems, Inc., as well a micro-cap stock BranchOut Food Inc. The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Today's Featured Research Reports
ExxonMobil’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the year-to-date period (+37.4% vs. +14.9%). The company’s investment case remains balanced between advantaged upstream growth and persistent market risk.
Record Permian output, continued Guyana development and LNG expansion support long-duration production and cash flow, while structural cost savings and low leverage strengthen financial flexibility and shareholder returns. However, earnings remain exposed to volatile oil, gas, refining and chemical markets, with Middle East disruptions adding operating uncertainty.
The pause of the Baytown blue hydrogen project due to insufficient demand also highlights weaker commercial visibility for emerging businesses and greater policy sensitivity. Product Solutions results can swing sharply with market conditions, while returns from newer investments depend on execution, customer adoption and durable demand over time.
(You can read the full research report on ExxonMobil here >>>)
Shares of Automatic Data Processing have gained +4.6% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Internet - Software industry’s gain of +11.7%. The company’s global scale, broad HCM suite and AI-enabled service model support steady revenue growth and operating efficiency.
Automatic Data Processingss expanding enterprise offerings and targeted acquisitions deepen workforce management and compensation capabilities, while recurring cash generation supports dividends and share repurchases. However, the PEO business faces margin compression from zero-margin benefit pass-throughs, workers’ compensation and selling costs.
Competition for clients and skilled associates remains a risk and Employer Services retention is expected to ease modestly. Regulatory complexity also raises execution demands across ADP’s footprint, even as it supports demand for compliance expertise. The Zacks analyst maintain a Neutral recommendation on it in anticipation of a cheaper entry for investors.
(You can read the full research report on Automatic Data Processing here >>>)
Cadence’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+3% vs. -5%). The company is benefiting from higher design complexity and rising customer spend on AI-driven automation. Amid rapid AI expansion, the Cadence.ai portfolio has been gaining strength and the new product launches (like ChipStack, ViraStack and InnoStack AI Super Agents) are expected to aid in sustaining the momentum.
The hardware systems continue to gain traction from AI, high-performance computing ("HPC"), robotics and automotive companies. Record backlog and a higher 2026 revenue outlook support visibility, while recurring revenues remain a stabilizing feature of the model.
Management now expects 2026 revenues in the band of $6.26-$6.34 billion compared with $5.3 billion in 2025. Stiff competition in the EDA space, along with heavy reliance on international markets and high goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet, remain concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Cadence here >>>)
Shares of BranchOut Food have outperformed the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry over the year-to-date period (+22.3% vs. -0.7%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $63.25 million has its investment case increasingly supported by better revenue visibility, expanding recurring retail programs, a growing ingredient business and broader product applications.
Rising factory utilization and improved sourcing could strengthen unit economics as production scales, while European private-label opportunities add another potential growth channel. However, the outlook remains balanced by meaningful execution and financial risks. Liquidity remains tight, growth requires substantial working capital, and continued financing could lead to dilution.
Manufacturing is concentrated at a single facility, while customer concentration remains high. Sustained operating leverage will depend on converting higher volumes into improved profitability while keeping manufacturing and corporate costs under control.
(You can read the full research report on BranchOut Food here >>>)
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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights ExxonMobil, Automatic Data Processing and Cadence Design, BranchOut Food

In the latest look at the underlying components of the S&P 500 ordered by largest market capitalization, Lowe's Companies Inc (Symbol: LOW) has taken over the #107 spot from Automatic Data Processing Inc. (Symbol: ADP), according to The Online Investor.
Market capitalization is an important data point for investors to keep an eye on, for various reasons. The most basic reason is that it gives a true comparison of the value attributed by the stock market to a given company's stock. Many beginning investors look at one stock trading at $10 and another trading at $20 and mistakenly think the latter company is worth twice as much — that of course is a completely meaningless comparison without knowing how many shares of each company exist. But comparing market capitalization (factoring in those share counts) creates a true "apples-to-apples" comparison of the value of two stocks. In the case of Lowe's Companies Inc (Symbol: LOW), the market cap is now $105.75 billion, versus Automatic Data Processing Inc. (Symbol: ADP) at $104.52 billion.
Below is a chart of Lowe's Companies Inc versus Automatic Data Processing Inc. plotting their respective size rank within the S&P 500 over time (LOW plotted in blue; ADP plotted in green):
Below is a three month price history chart comparing the stock performance of LOW vs. ADP:
Another reason market capitalization is important is where it places a company in terms of its size tier in relation to peers — much like the way a mid-size sedan is typically compared to other mid-size sedans (and not SUV's). This can have a direct impact on which mutual funds and ETFs are willing to own the stock. For instance, a mutual fund that is focused solely on Large Cap stocks may for example only be interested in those companies sized $10 billion or larger. Another illustrative example is the S&P MidCap index which essentially takes the S&P 500 index and "tosses out" the biggest 100 companies so as to focus solely on the 400 smaller "up-and-comers" (which in the right environment can outperform their larger rivals). So a company's market cap, especially in relation to other companies, carries great importance, and for this reason we at The Online Investor find value to putting together these rankings daily.
Examine the full LOW market cap history vs. the full ADP market cap history.
At the closing bell, LOW is up about 0.4%, while ADP is up about 0.2% on the day Friday.
Further LOW Research:

Lowe's Companies Takes Over #107 Spot From Automatic Data Processing

Friday, September 25, 2026
The Zacks Research Daily presents the best research output of our analyst team. Today's Research Daily features new research reports on 16 major stocks, including ExxonMobil Holdings Corp. (XOM), Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP) and Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS), as well a micro-cap stock BranchOut Food Inc. (BOF). The Zacks microcap research is unique as our research content on these small and under-the-radar companies is the only research of its type in the country.
These research reports have been hand-picked from the roughly 70 reports published by our analyst team today.
You can see all of today’s research reports here >>>
Ahead of Wall Street
The daily 'Ahead of Wall Street' article is a must-read for all investors who would like to be ready for that day's trading action. The article comes out before the market opens, attempting to make sense of that morning's economic releases and how they will affect that day's market action. You can read this article for free on our home page and can actually sign up there to get an email notification as this article comes out each morning.
You can read today's AWS here >>> Pre-Markets Higher Despite Increasing Bond Yields
Today's Featured Research Reports
ExxonMobil’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Oil and Gas - Integrated - International industry over the year-to-date period (+37.4% vs. +14.9%). The company’s investment case remains balanced between advantaged upstream growth and persistent market risk.
Record Permian output, continued Guyana development and LNG expansion support long-duration production and cash flow, while structural cost savings and low leverage strengthen financial flexibility and shareholder returns. However, earnings remain exposed to volatile oil, gas, refining and chemical markets, with Middle East disruptions adding operating uncertainty.
The pause of the Baytown blue hydrogen project due to insufficient demand also highlights weaker commercial visibility for emerging businesses and greater policy sensitivity. Product Solutions results can swing sharply with market conditions, while returns from newer investments depend on execution, customer adoption and durable demand over time.
(You can read the full research report on ExxonMobil here >>>)
Shares of Automatic Data Processing have gained +4.6% over the year-to-date period against the Zacks Internet - Software industry’s gain of +11.7%. The company’s global scale, broad HCM suite and AI-enabled service model support steady revenue growth and operating efficiency.
Automatic Data Processingss expanding enterprise offerings and targeted acquisitions deepen workforce management and compensation capabilities, while recurring cash generation supports dividends and share repurchases. However, the PEO business faces margin compression from zero-margin benefit pass-throughs, workers’ compensation and selling costs.
Competition for clients and skilled associates remains a risk and Employer Services retention is expected to ease modestly. Regulatory complexity also raises execution demands across ADP’s footprint, even as it supports demand for compliance expertise. The Zacks analyst maintain a Neutral recommendation on it in anticipation of a cheaper entry for investors.
(You can read the full research report on Automatic Data Processing here >>>)
Cadence’s shares have outperformed the Zacks Computer - Software industry over the year-to-date period (+3% vs. -5%). The company is benefiting from higher design complexity and rising customer spend on AI-driven automation. Amid rapid AI expansion, the Cadence.ai portfolio has been gaining strength and the new product launches (like ChipStack, ViraStack and InnoStack AI Super Agents) are expected to aid in sustaining the momentum.
The hardware systems continue to gain traction from AI, high-performance computing ("HPC"), robotics and automotive companies. Record backlog and a higher 2026 revenue outlook support visibility, while recurring revenues remain a stabilizing feature of the model.
Management now expects 2026 revenues in the band of $6.26-$6.34 billion compared with $5.3 billion in 2025. Stiff competition in the EDA space, along with heavy reliance on international markets and high goodwill and intangible assets on the balance sheet, remain concerns.
(You can read the full research report on Cadence here >>>)
Shares of BranchOut Food have outperformed the Zacks Food - Miscellaneous industry over the year-to-date period (+22.3% vs. -0.7%). This microcap company with a market capitalization of $63.25 million has its investment case increasingly supported by better revenue visibility, expanding recurring retail programs, a growing ingredient business and broader product applications.
Rising factory utilization and improved sourcing could strengthen unit economics as production scales, while European private-label opportunities add another potential growth channel. However, the outlook remains balanced by meaningful execution and financial risks. Liquidity remains tight, growth requires substantial working capital, and continued financing could lead to dilution.
Manufacturing is concentrated at a single facility, while customer concentration remains high. Sustained operating leverage will depend on converting higher volumes into improved profitability while keeping manufacturing and corporate costs under control.
(You can read the full research report on BranchOut Food here >>>)
Other noteworthy reports we are featuring today include FirstEnergy Corp. (FE), Gen Digital Inc. (GEN) and BridgeBio Pharma, Inc. (BBIO).
Mark Vickery
Senior Editor
Note: Sheraz Mian heads the Zacks Equity Research department and is a well-regarded expert of aggregate earnings. He is frequently quoted in the print and electronic media and publishes the weekly Earnings Trends and Earnings Preview reports. If you want an email notification each time Sheraz publishes a new article, please click here>>>
Today's Must Read
Advantaged Upstream Growth & LNG Expansion to Aid ExxonMobil (XOM)
Featured Reports
Data Center Demand and Grid Investment Aid FirstEnergy Corp.(FE)
Per the Zacks analyst, FirstEnergy Corp. benefits from rising contracted and pipeline data-center demand. Its grid investments strengthen reliability and support long-term earnings growth.
Gen Digital (GEN) Rides on Product and Customer Strength
Per the Zacks analyst, Gen Digital is gaining from solid demand for ID theft protection solutions such as dark web monitoring and ID advisor. Continued stabilization of customer count is a positive.
BridgeBio's (BBIO) New Potential Launches to Cut Dependency on Attruby
The Zacks analyst is encouraged by BridgeBio's potential product launches over the next 12 months. Three candidates are under FDA review, with the earliest approval decision expected before 2026-end.
Kirby (KEX) Benefits From Share Buyback Amid Rising Expenses
Per the Zacks analyst, rewarding shareholders through share buybacks boosts investor confidence and positively impacts Kirby's bottom line. Rising expenses continue to act as a concern.
Uranium Energy (UEC) Bets on Growth Projects, Execution Risks Remain
As per the Zacks analyst, Uranium Energy is poised to gain from its two operating in-situ recovery platforms and project pipeline. However elevated costs and regulatory delays remain risks.
Fastly's (FSLY) Platform Expansion Supports Growth Amid Rising Risks
Fastly benefits from deeper platform adoption, improving margins and cross-sell opportunities, but traffic volatility, pricing pressure and customer concentration temper the outlook.
Retail Growth & Cost Discipline Aid Cracker Barrel (CBRL)
Per the Zacks analyst, Cracker Barrel benefits from retail sales growth, lower costs and disciplined expense management. Also, improving guest metrics and loyalty engagement bode well.
New Upgrades
Teleflex (TFX) Streamlines Portfolio as Vascular Arm Gains Ground
The Zacks analyst is positive on Teleflex's focused portfolio, supported by Vascular growth, innovation, debt reduction and share repurchases that strengthen its long-term outlook.
Aerospace & Transportation Unit Benefits Constellium (CSTM)
Per the Zacks analyst, Constellium's Aerospace & Transportation segment is driven by higher revenue per ton, including higher metal prices. Its shareholder-friendly measures are encouraging.
Transaction Growth & AI Workflows Aid BILL Holdings (BILL) Prospects
Per the Zacks analyst, BILL Holdings gains from rising transaction activity, wider product adoption and AI workflows. Partnerships expand distribution, while spend tools deepen customer engagement.
New Downgrades
On Holding AG (ONON) Faces Tariff, Cost Pressures Outlook
Per the Zacks analyst, ONON faces tariff uncertainty and rising SG&A costs as reinvestment in brand, retail and capacity expansion weighs on profitability.
Elevated Costs, Regulatory Risks Weigh on Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
Per the Zacks analyst, steadily mounting operating costs are expected to hurt Interactive Brokers. International complexity and capital efficiency risks could restrain future returns for shareholders.
Virtu Financial (VIRT) Gains from Market Making unit, Expenses High
Per the Zacks Analyst, Virtu Financial's Market Making segment is well-poised for growth due to growing retail engagement. However, elevated expenses are putting pressure on its margins.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This innovative software-as-a-service firm upped its user base +22% year over year. That rate is increasing and margins are expanding as AI efficiencies take effect. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners, but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like D-Wave Quantum, which shot up +680.1%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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Top Analyst Reports for ExxonMobil, Automatic Data Processing & Cadence

Workday, Inc. WDAY has launched Total Benefits, a new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solution that brings employees’ health, financial and wellbeing programs together in one place. The solution aims to simplify administration for employers while helping employees better understand and make use of the offerings available to them.
Workday Total Benefits combines four key capabilities, including Workday Wellness, Benefits Guidance through Self-Service Agent, Life and Money Solutions, and Benefits Administration Services. Together, these offerings connect providers with the company, simplify administrative tasks and give employees easy access to information and support.
Workday Wellness provides HR and benefits leaders real-time insights into program usage, performance and costs, while early adopters reported a 75% reduction in the time needed to onboard new providers. The services include AI-powered Benefits Guidance through Self-Service Agent, which helps employees compare plans, enroll in coverage, add dependents and update beneficiaries, while surfacing relevant programs and reminders during major life events and throughout the year.
The platform also offers financial services such as earned wage access, direct deposit and employment and income verification. Through Benefits Administration Services, partners including Strada and Benefit Harbor help HR teams with plan setup, system migration and ongoing administration. By combining AI, automation and partner support, Workday is making benefits management simpler and more connected for both employers and employees.
How Competitors Are Advancing in Enterprise AI?
Workday faces competition from Oracle Corporation ORCL and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP. Oracle is expanding its Enterprise AI capabilities by embedding AI agents into cloud applications to automate business processes and work with enterprise data. The company is offering tools that help businesses securely build and manage AI agents using their own data. Oracle is enabling these agents to handle tasks across multiple applications, helping businesses streamline complex workflows.
ADP is strengthening its Enterprise AI offerings with AI agents that help automate payroll, HR and workforce-related tasks. The company has expanded its strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services to accelerate generative and agentic AI across its HCM offerings. ADP is using AI to identify payroll issues, automate processes and provide workforce insights that help businesses improve accuracy and efficiency.
Workday’s Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates
Workday shares have lost 22.6% over the past year compared with the industry’s decline of 1.9%.
From a valuation standpoint, Workday trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 4.05, below the industry average of 4.51.
Earnings estimates for fiscal 2027 have increased 2.4% to $11.08 over the past 60 days, while the same for fiscal 2028 have risen 4.2% to $13.20.
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Workday currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This innovative software-as-a-service firm upped its user base +22% year over year. That rate is increasing and margins are expanding as AI efficiencies take effect. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners, but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like D-Wave Quantum, which shot up +680.1%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Can WDAY's Introduction of Total Benefits Boost Its Growth Prospects?

Friday, September 25th, 2026
In a big blow for advocates of lowering interest rates, bond yields continue to escalate in Friday’s pre-market. We normally don’t talk about the 30-year bond yield, but this has risen to 20+ year highs this morning: +5.480%. The 10-year yield is now +5.188% and the 2-year is up to +4.906%. These numbers are telling us that there are investment options beyond the equities market, presently.
Pre-market futures are in the green at this hour — +111 points on the Dow, +110 on the Nasdaq and +17 points on the S&P 500. The small-cap Russell 2000 is up +4 points on the final trading day of the week. This may have to do with lower oil prices overnight: $92 per barrel (/bbl) on WTI and $104/bbl on Brent crude. These are obviously still elevated levels compared to where we were earlier in this seven-months-long conflict in Iran, but perhaps enough for bullish investors to find their sea legs again.
Durable Goods Orders Outperform Expectations
The August print for Durable Goods Orders came in at 0.0%, which is unremarkable until you look at what had been expected: -0.3%. This follows an unrevised +1.1% from July. Ex-transportation, we see this figure buoy up to +0.3%, which is down from +0.7% the prior month. Non-Defense, ex-aircraft — a proxy for “normal” business spending — reached a surprisingly high +1.6%, more than triple the +0.5% analysts were expecting.
Shipments also improved month over month: -0.2% in August, from -0.9% in July. All these numbers represent an expected reversion from the prior month’s rather widely dispersed Durable Goods report. And despite projections for the first negative headline since May, this big-ticket-order metric shows the American economy on firm footing.
What to Expect from the Stock Market Today and Next Week
After the opening bell, the final read on the University of Michigan Consumer Survey hits the tape. The preliminary report showed a dire 47.8, down from 51.7 the prior month. This is the lowest print since May’s all-time-low 44.8, as personal finances project weaker and business finances, while steady, are well below historic levels.
This report does not use the 50 level as a demarcation point between growth and loss. Rather, it is normalized against a baseline of 100, which means we are well off norms in terms of consumer outlook. Even our near-term high — July’s 55.2 — is on the low end of this well-regarded consumer survey.
Next week is “Jobs Week,” where JOLTS for August happen Tuesday, private-sector payrolls from ADP ADP are Wednesday, Weekly Jobless Claims are on their normal Thursday morning report schedule, and Friday brings us the Big Kahuna: non-farm payrolls from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Estimates currently vary pretty widely: while +162K new jobs are expected to have been created in September, only +38K are expected on the ADP private-sector read.
Questions or comments about this article and/or author? Click here>>
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This innovative software-as-a-service firm upped its user base +22% year over year. That rate is increasing and margins are expanding as AI efficiencies take effect. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners, but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like D-Wave Quantum, which shot up +680.1%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
Invesco QQQ (QQQ): ETF Research Reports
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Pre-Markets Higher Despite Increasing Bond Yields

Looking today at week-over-week shares outstanding changes among the universe of ETFs covered at ETF Channel, one standout is the iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (Symbol: QUAL) where we have detected an approximate $345.8 million dollar inflow -- that's a 0.7% increase week over week in outstanding units (from 213,250,000 to 214,800,000). Among the largest underlying components of QUAL, in trading today TJX Companies (Symbol: TJX) is up about 0.6%, Ross Stores Inc (Symbol: ROST) is up about 0.7%, and Automatic Data Processing Inc. (Symbol: ADP) is lower by about 2.2%. For a complete list of holdings, visit the QUAL Holdings page » The chart below shows the one year price performance of QUAL, versus its 200 day moving average:
Looking at the chart above, QUAL's low point in its 52 week range is $185.885 per share, with $227.32 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $222.29. Comparing the most recent share price to the 200 day moving average can also be a useful technical analysis technique -- learn more about the 200 day moving average ».
Exchange traded funds (ETFs) trade just like stocks, but instead of ''shares'' investors are actually buying and selling ''units''. These ''units'' can be traded back and forth just like stocks, but can also be created or destroyed to accommodate investor demand. Each week we monitor the week-over-week change in shares outstanding data, to keep a lookout for those ETFs experiencing notable inflows (many new units created) or outflows (many old units destroyed). Creation of new units will mean the underlying holdings of the ETF need to be purchased, while destruction of units involves selling underlying holdings, so large flows can also impact the individual components held within ETFs.
Further QUAL Research:

Notable ETF Inflow Detected - QUAL, TJX, ROST, ADP

ADP ADP stock has risen 33.4% in the past six months. The company’s shares have outpaced the industry’s 30.3% return and the Zacks S&P 500 Composite's 19.1% advance in the same period.
6-Month Share Price Performance
Let us delve deeper into the factors that have contributed to the company’s outperformance.
ADP Assist & the Zone: AI Catalyst Driving Growth
ADP launched ADP Assist agents in January 2026, expanding across payroll, benefits, HR and compliance. The company’s Human Capital Management agents are accessible to approximately all of the company’s more than 1.1 million clients. Notably, 3.1 million unique active users had 12 million conversations with ADP Assist during fiscal 2026. Embedding AI in clients’ workflows delivers real-time savings and improved accuracy.
The company’s proprietary AI-driven service platform, the Zone, is transforming service teams’ operations. This tool provides ADP’s teams with AI-backed recommendations, case summaries and contextual insights that enhance the quality and consistency of every interaction. The Zone was accessible to 10% of the company’s service population at the start of fiscal 2026, rising to 48% and outpacing the year-end target.
Strikingly, associates leveraging the Zone performed 96% of their service work on the platform. Using this tool enabled service teams to spend less time on administrative tasks and channel their productivity toward adding value for clients. The Zone can support stronger client engagement and retention.
During the fourth-quarter fiscal 2026earnings call Peter Hadley, the CFO, stated that the company expects Employer Services (“ES”) business bookings to increase 4-7%, partly driven by the Zone. Maria Black, the CEO, mentioned that ADP is confident in its ability to win deals consistently and create operational efficiencies, aiding the bottom line by leveraging the increasing adoption of AI tools across the company’s product set, service operations and sales.
Solid Bookings Momentum
ADP ended fiscal 2026 with business bookings in the ES segment increasing 6% year over year to $2.2 billion. It highlights the strength of its offerings and distribution capabilities, bolstering the company’s competitive position. Maria Black, the CEO, during the fourth-quarter fiscal 2026earnings callmentioned that the company witnessed broad-based bookings growth with substantial contributions from its Small Business portfolio, ES, HR outsourcing, enterprise and international businesses.
The company ended fiscal 2026 with ES business bookings and ES retention coming in near or at the top of the prior fiscal 2026 guidance ranges. For fiscal 2027, management anticipates ES business bookings growth of 4-7%, strengthened by investments in sales force headcount growth and AI-driven tools like the Zone. Counting on growth in business bookings and optimism for future bookings, we expect ADP to witness strong revenue growth visibility and healthy customer demand for its offerings.
Lyric’s Adoption Supports Expansion
ADP’s Lyric is gaining traction in the enterprise market with a 94% year-over-year upsurge in the number of live clients. Lyric’s pipeline improved 50% year over year, with new logos contributing 70% of the opportunities, while international sales made progress as well.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026, the company closed deals with a digital transformation and IT consulting firm in France and two U.K.-based clients, a specialty chemicals company and a global manufacturer of accessibility solutions.
Zacks Rank & Stocks to Consider
ADP currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader Zacks Computer and Technology sector are Dell Technologies DELL and NVIDIA NVDA. These two companies presently flaunt a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
Dell has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 38.4%. DELL delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29%, on average.
NVIDIA has a long-term earnings growth expectation of 14%. NVDA delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 5.8%, on average.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners, but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like D-Wave Quantum, which shot up +680.1%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

ADP Stock Rises 33% in 6 Months: Here's What You Should Know

Last Friday, the three benchmark stock indexes on Wall Street closed a mixed week. The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.72%, helped by strength in semiconductor stocks, while the S&P 500 edged down 0.1%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average bore the brunt of the selling, falling 1.69% – its worst weekly decline since March.
Investor focus remained firmly on inflation and monetary policy. Benchmark U.S. Treasury yields moved above 5%, raising concerns about tighter financial conditions, while crude oil prices stayed above $100 per barrel. The combination kept inflation risks prominent and added pressure to equities.
Markets also digested the Fed’s widely anticipated 25-basis-point interest rate hike and its aftermath. Higher borrowing costs and elevated yields weighed on sentiment, particularly across rate-sensitive areas. Still, gains in semiconductor stocks provided a boost to technology shares, helping the Nasdaq outperform the other major benchmarks for the week.
Regardless of market conditions, we, here at Zacks, provide investors with unbiased guidance on how to beat the market.
As usual, Zacks Research guided investors over the past three months with its time-tested methodologies. Given the prevailing market uncertainty, you may want to look at our feats to prepare better for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
PBF Energy and Delek US Surge Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of PBF Energy Inc. PBF have gained 20% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.9% increase) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) on July 23.
Another stock, Delek US Holdings, Inc. DK, which was also upgraded to a Rank #1 on July 23, has returned 18.1% since then.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 2.3 percentage points this year. Through August 3rd this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +12.08%, which compares to a +9.78% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +10.41% gain for the equal-weight version of the index in the same time period.
Since its inception in 1988, this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the market by 12.4 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.9% through August 3rd, which compares to a +11.5% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.3% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
Check PBF’s historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Check Delek US’ historical EPS and Sales here>>>
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Zacks Recommendation Upgrades Avidia and Chemung Financial
Shares of Avidia Bancorp, Inc. AVBC and Chemung Financial Corporation CHMG have surged 11.6% and 11.3% (versus the S&P 500’s 3.1% rise), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on July 24.
While the Zacks Rank is our short-term rating system that is most effective over the one- to three-month holding horizon, the Zacks Recommendation aims to predict performance over the next 6 to 12 months. However, just like the Zacks Rank, the foundation for the Zacks Recommendation is trends in earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Recommendation classifies stocks into three groups — Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. While these recommendations are determined quantitatively, our analysts have the flexibility to override them for the 1100+ stocks they closely follow based on their better judgment of factors such as valuation, industry conditions and management effectiveness than the quantitative model.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List Stocks Palantir, Adobe Shoot Up
Shares of Palantir Technologies Inc. PLTR, which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have soared 38.3% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on March 26, 2024. Another Focus-List holding, Adobe Inc. ADBE, which was added to the list on March 13, 2020, has returned 27.6% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has advanced 2% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +19.86% in the year-to-date period (through August 31, 2026) vs. +13.14% for the S&P 500 index and +15.59% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +18.41% in 2024 vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. The portfolio had returned +29.54% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +13.61% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. In 2022, the portfolio returned -15.2% vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
Through August 31, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +28.7% (vs. +20.4% for the S&P 500 index), +24.1% (vs. +21.1%), +13.6% (vs. +12.8%), +17.1% (vs. +15.4%) and +12.7% vs. (+11%), respectively.
Unlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Focus List, Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. Gain full access now >>
Zacks ECAP Stocks Thermo Fisher & Intercontinental Exchange Gain Significantly
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. TMO, a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 40.2% over the past 12 weeks. Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. ICE followed Thermo Fisher with 16.1% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -9.4% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index.
For 2025, the portfolio returned -1.67% vs. a +17.9% gain for the S&P 500 index. For the year 2024, the portfolio returned +16.26% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index (SPY ETF). In 2023, the portfolio returned +12.17% vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index. The portfolio returned -4.7% in 2022 vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
With little to no turnover and annual rebalance periodicity, ECAP seeks to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies whose earnings streams exhibit a proven 20+ year track record of surviving recessionary periods with minimal impact on aggregate earnings growth relative to the overall S&P 500.
The ECAP and many other model portfolios are available as part of Zacks Advisor Tools, a cloud-based solution to access Zacks award-winning stock, mutual fund and ETF research. Click here to schedule a demo.
Zacks ECDP Stocks Quest Diagnostics & Automatic Data Outperform Peers
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated DGX, which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 26.4% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP, has climbed 24.2% over the same time frame. Of course, the inclination of investors toward quality dividend stocks to secure an income stream amid heightened market volatility contributed to this performance.
Check Automatic Data’s dividend history here>>>
With an extremely low beta and a history of minimum earnings variability over the last 20+ years, this 25-stock portfolio helps significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -1.7% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index and +9.03% for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL).
The portfolio returned -0.6% in 2025 vs. a +6.8% gain for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF. For the full year 2024, the portfolio returned +6.95% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index and +6.72% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -0.9% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +8.11% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -2.3% in 2022 vs. -17.96% for the S&P 500 index and -8.34% for NOBL.
Click here to access this portfolio on Zacks Advisor Tools.
Zacks Top 10 Stock Monolithic Power Delivers Solid Returns
Monolithic Power Systems, Inc. MPWR, from the Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2025, has jumped 30.1% since January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 Index’s 11.5% increase.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +15% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through August 31st) vs. +12.9% for the S&P 500 index and +14.8% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +22.6% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +62.98% in 2024, vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of August 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,881.3% since 2012 vs. +648.5% for the S&P 500 index and +481.7% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.8% in the period 2012 through August 31, 2026, vs. +13.6% for the S&P 500 index and +11.3% for the equal-weight version of the index.
Beyond Nvidia: AI's Second Wave Is Here
The AI revolution has already minted millionaires. But the stocks everyone knows about aren't likely to keep delivering the biggest profits. AI’s second wave is moving from infrastructure to implementation and these companies are at the forefront of this transition, positioned to become what Amazon and Google were to the internet era.
See Stocks Now >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).

Beat the Market Like Zacks: PBF, Palantir, Adobe in Focus

Last Friday, the three benchmark stock indexes on Wall Street closed a losing week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 1.6%, 0.8% and 0.7% respectively.
The weekly decline was primarily due to a sharp rise in oil prices amid escalating Middle East tensions, which heightened inflation concerns and pushed Treasury yields higher. The 10-year yield approached 5%, increasing fears that the Fed could maintain a restrictive stance despite an expected September rate hike.
Technology stocks showed relative resilience, helped by strength in AI-related shares, while Friday's retreat in crude and in-line CPI data sparked a broad rebound.
Regardless of market conditions, we, here at Zacks, provide investors with unbiased guidance on how to beat the market.
As usual, Zacks Research guided investors over the past three months with its time-tested methodologies. Given the prevailing market uncertainty, you may want to look at our feats to prepare better for your next action.
Here are some of our key achievements:
FIGS and Charles River Laboratories Surge Following Zacks Rank Upgrade
Shares of FIGS, Inc. FIGS have gained 33.5% (versus the S&P 500’s 2% increase) since it was upgraded to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on July 14.
Another stock, Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. CRL, which was also upgraded to a Rank #2 on July 14, has returned 21.1% since then.
A portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks has outperformed the S&P 500 index by 2.3 percentage points this year. Through August 3rd this year, the Zacks # 1 Rank portfolio returned +12.08%, which compares to a +9.78% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +10.41% gain for the equal-weight version of the index in the same time period.
Since its inception in 1988, this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks has outperformed the market by 12.4 percentage points. The average annual return for this portfolio of Zacks # 1 Rank stocks since inception in 1988 was +23.9% through August 3rd, which compares to a +11.5% gain for the S&P 500 index and a +11.3% gain for the equal-weight version of the index.
Check FIGS’ historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Check Charles River’s historical EPS and Sales here>>>
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Zacks Recommendation Upgrades Grupo Cibest and Amphenol
Shares of Grupo Cibest S.A. CIB and Amphenol Corporation APH have surged 28.4% and 9.6% (versus the S&P 500’s 1.8% rise), respectively, since their Zacks Recommendation was upgraded to Outperform on June 26 and July 17.
While the Zacks Rank is our short-term rating system that is most effective over the one- to three-month holding horizon, the Zacks Recommendation aims to predict performance over the next 6 to 12 months. However, just like the Zacks Rank, the foundation for the Zacks Recommendation is trends in earnings estimate revisions.
The Zacks Recommendation classifies stocks into three groups — Outperform, Neutral and Underperform. While these recommendations are determined quantitatively, our analysts have the flexibility to override them for the 1100+ stocks they closely follow based on their better judgment of factors such as valuation, industry conditions and management effectiveness than the quantitative model.
To access our research reports with Zacks Recommendations for the 1100+ stocks we cover, click here>>>
Zacks Focus List Stocks Microsoft, CACI International Shoot Up
Shares of Microsoft Corporation MSFT, which belongs to the Zacks Focus List, have soared 26.8% over the past 12 weeks. The stock was added to the Focus List on February 1, 2016. Another Focus-List holding, CACI International Inc. CACI, which was added to the list on December 2, 2015, has returned 19.6% over the past 12 weeks. The S&P 500 has advanced 3.1% over this period.
The 50-stock Focus List portfolio returned +19.86% in the year-to-date period (through August 31, 2026) vs. +13.14% for the S&P 500 index and +15.59% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +18.41% in 2024 vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. The portfolio had returned +29.54% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +13.61% for the equal-weight S&P 500 index. In 2022, the portfolio returned -15.2% vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
Through August 31, 2026, the portfolio’s rolling returns on a one-year, three-year, five-year, ten-year, and since 2004 have been +28.7% (vs. +20.4% for the S&P 500 index), +24.1% (vs. +21.1%), +13.6% (vs. +12.8%), +17.1% (vs. +15.4%) and +12.7% vs. (+11%), respectively.
Unlock all of our powerful research, tools and analysis, including the Focus List, Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research Reports, Zacks Earnings ESP Filter, Premium Screener and more, as part of Zacks Premium. Gain full access now >>
Zacks ECAP Stocks Automatic Data Processing & Accenture Gain Significantly
Automatic Data Processing, Inc. ADP, a component of our Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), has jumped 18.6% over the past 12 weeks. Accenture plc ACN followed Automatic Data with 8% returns.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP), which consists of 30 concentrated, ultra-defensive, long-term Buy-and-Hold stocks, returned -9.4% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index.
For 2025, the portfolio returned -1.67% vs. a +17.9% gain for the S&P 500 index. For the year 2024, the portfolio returned +16.26% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index (SPY ETF). In 2023, the portfolio returned +12.17% vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index. The portfolio returned -4.7% in 2022 vs. the S&P 500 index’s -17.96%.
With little to no turnover and annual rebalance periodicity, ECAP seeks to minimize capital loss by holding shares of companies whose earnings streams exhibit a proven 20+ year track record of surviving recessionary periods with minimal impact on aggregate earnings growth relative to the overall S&P 500.
The ECAP and many other model portfolios are available as part of Zacks Advisor Tools, a cloud-based solution to access Zacks award-winning stock, mutual fund and ETF research. Click here to schedule a demo.
Zacks ECDP Stocks Paychex & Intercontinental Exchange Outperform Peers
Paychex, Inc. PAYX, which is part of our Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP), has returned 15.1% over the past 12 weeks. Another ECDP stock, Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. ICE, has climbed 12% over the same time frame. Of course, the inclination of investors toward quality dividend stocks to secure an income stream amid heightened market volatility contributed to this performance.
With an extremely low beta and a history of minimum earnings variability over the last 20+ years, this 25-stock portfolio helps significantly mitigate risk.
The Zacks Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -1.7% in the first half of 2026 (through June 30th) vs. +10.2% for the S&P 500 index and +9.03% for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF (NOBL).
The portfolio returned -0.6% in 2025 vs. a +6.8% gain for the Dividend Aristocrats ETF. For the full year 2024, the portfolio returned +6.95% vs. +24.89% for the S&P 500 index and +6.72% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -0.9% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index and +8.11% for NOBL. The portfolio returned -2.3% in 2022 vs. -17.96% for the S&P 500 index and -8.34% for NOBL.
Click here to access this portfolio on Zacks Advisor Tools.
Zacks Top 10 Stock FirstCash Delivers Solid Returns
FirstCash Holdings, Inc. FCFS, from the Zacks Top 10 Stocks for 2025, has jumped 45.7% since January 5, 2026, compared with the S&P 500 Index’s 11.9% increase.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +15% in the year-to-date 2026 period (through August 31st) vs. +12.9% for the S&P 500 index and +14.8% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +22.6% in 2025 vs. +17.9% for the S&P 500 index and +11.4% for the equal-weight version of the index.
The Top 10 portfolio returned +62.98% in 2024, vs. +25.04% for the S&P 500 index and +13% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio had returned +25.15% in 2023 vs. +26.28% for the S&P 500 index.
Through the end of August 2026, the Top 10 portfolio has produced a cumulative return of +2,881.3% since 2012 vs. +648.5% for the S&P 500 index and +481.7% for the equal-weight version of the index. The portfolio has produced an average annual return of +25.8% in the period 2012 through August 31, 2026, vs. +13.6% for the S&P 500 index and +11.3% for the equal-weight version of the index.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners, but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like D-Wave Quantum, which shot up +680.1%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
FIGS, Inc. (FIGS) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.

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